Burberry My Burberry Black Review: London's Darker Floral Allure
A Deep Dive into this Iconic Evening Fragrance
Burberry My Burberry Black, launched in 2016, arrived as a richer, more intense interpretation of the original My Burberry EDP. While the initial My Burberry line aimed to capture the essence of a London garden after the rain, a fresh and dewy affair, Black delves into the moodier, more sensual aspects of the city during a storm. It’s less about the light drizzle and more about the dramatic downpour, the cozy warmth indoors, and the lingering scent of damp earth and blooming flowers.
This fragrance was positioned to appeal to a consumer seeking sophistication with a seductive edge. It stands out in Burberry’s lineup, which often leans towards classic, elegant, and somewhat understated scents. My Burberry Black breaks that mold, offering a bolder, more opulent experience. It’s a statement piece, designed for evening wear and special occasions, clearly distinguishing itself from its brighter predecessors and establishing a new facet of the My Burberry narrative.
The inspiration behind My Burberry Black is deeply rooted in the brand's iconic trench coat and the unpredictable British weather. Imagine seeking refuge from a sudden storm, wrapped in a luxurious trench, the air thick with the scent of jasmine and roses, warmed by amber and patchouli. It evokes a sense of intimacy, mystery, and understated glamour. This concept translates into a fragrance that feels both classic Burberry – refined and well-composed – yet strikingly modern and alluring.
Since its release, My Burberry Black has garnered a reputation as a sophisticated and highly complimented evening fragrance. It quickly became a favorite for those seeking a warm, sweet, and slightly dark scent with excellent performance. In the fragrance community, it’s often praised for its unique blend of fruity sweetness with a deep, sensual base, marking it as a significant release for Burberry and a strong contender in the designer oriental-floral category.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Francis Kurkdjian, a master perfumer known for creating iconic fragrances like Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male and Baccarat Rouge 540, and for his own Maison Francis Kurkdjian line.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
My Burberry Black opens with an immediate burst of sweet, rich jasmine. It's a heady, almost narcotic white floral, but quickly softened by a distinct candied rose note. There's a noticeable warmth from the very beginning, hinting at the deeper notes to come. The initial impression is opulent and slightly dense, a clear indicator of its evening character.
As the jasmine settles, the heart of the fragrance truly emerges. The candied rose becomes more prominent, a sweet, jammy, and slightly syrupy rose that feels luxurious. This is beautifully complemented by a juicy, ripe peach nectar note. The peach isn't overtly fresh or tart; instead, it's a deep, rich sweetness that blends seamlessly with the florals, adding a luscious fruitiness without becoming juvenile. This phase is where the fragrance truly shines with its signature sweet, fruity-floral core.
The drydown is where My Burberry Black reveals its depth and warmth. The sweet floral and fruity notes slowly recede, making way for the rich amber and earthy patchouli. The amber provides a comforting, resinous warmth, adding a cozy, almost balsamic sweetness. The patchouli is refined, not overly dirty or sharp, offering a grounding earthiness that prevents the scent from becoming cloyingly sweet. It creates a sensual, slightly mysterious skin scent that lingers for hours, feeling elegant and sophisticated until the very end.
Performance Dashboard
Expect 8-10 hours on skin, often longer on clothing. This is a robust performer for a designer fragrance.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming bubble around the wearer. It then settles to a more moderate projection.
Leaves a pleasant and elegant scent trail that is noticeable to others without being intrusive. It's a confident sillage, not a shouting one.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
My Burberry Black is a significant compliment magnet. Its warm, sweet, and inviting nature, combined with its sophisticated floral and fruity depth, makes it highly appealing to others. Expect positive remarks, particularly from those close to you, as it creates an alluring aura.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Rich, sophisticated, and elegant scent profile.
- ✅ Excellent longevity and noticeable projection.
- ✅ Unique blend of sweet peach, candied rose, and deep amber-patchouli.
- ✅ Highly versatile for evening and cooler weather occasions.
- ✅ Receives numerous compliments.
- ❌ Can be too heavy or sweet for some, especially in warm weather.
- ❌ The patchouli note might not appeal to everyone.
- ❌ Premium pricing for a designer fragrance.
- ❌ Not suitable for office or very casual daytime wear due to its intensity.
Price & Value
“Worth the investment. For those seeking a long-lasting, distinctive, and compliment-getting evening fragrance, My Burberry Black delivers exceptional value for its price point. Its performance often rivals more expensive niche options.”
📜 Reformulation History
While some users occasionally report minor differences between batches, there are no widely acknowledged or significant reformulations for My Burberry Black that drastically alter its scent profile or performance. Newer batches generally maintain the original character and longevity. Any perceived differences are typically minor and fall within normal manufacturing tolerances.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25 and up who appreciate rich, warm, and sweet fragrances.
- Confident, elegant, and sophisticated personalities.
- Individuals who enjoy making a subtle yet impactful statement with their scent.
- Those who embrace their femininity with a touch of mystery.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer fresh, light, or overtly clean scents.
- Individuals sensitive to sweet or strong fragrances.
- Very casual daytime wear or extremely hot climates.
The Family
The original, a fresh floral.
A lighter, airier version of the original.
A brighter, more sparkling floral interpretation.
Limited edition releases with special packaging.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a dark, opulent, and somewhat sweet-earthy complexity, though Black Orchid is much more intense and divisive.
Features a similar sweet, fruity-floral, and amber profile, often compared for its evening appeal.
Shares a sweet, warm, and slightly dark coffee-vanilla DNA, appealing to a similar audience seeking sensual evening scents.
While different in notes, it has a similar rich, warm, and alluring vanilla-almond sweetness that captivates.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited for a similar sweet, dark vanilla-amber vibe, though not a direct clone.
While more aligned with Tom Ford Black Orchid, some find a shared dark floral-fruity sweetness.
Offers a sweet, fruity, amber profile that can evoke a similar luxurious feel, though it's brighter.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its bold, warm spicy, and tuberose-driven elegance.
Shares a sweet, warm, and confident evening appeal.
If you like sweet, patchouli-infused florals with good performance.
For a more vibrant, fruity-floral with a modern edge.
For a salty vanilla with a similar warm, opulent character.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Vanilla-based fragrances
- Light musks
- Amber-centric scents
🏆 Final Verdict
Burberry My Burberry Black is more than just a fragrance; it's an experience. It’s for the discerning individual who seeks sophistication with a sensual edge, a scent that whispers elegance rather than shouts. If you’re tired of fleeting fragrances that disappear within hours, My Burberry Black offers impressive longevity and a noticeable sillage that will carry you through any evening event.
Its unique blend of sweet peach, candied rose, and deep amber-patchouli creates a captivating aura that consistently garners compliments. It’s a versatile choice for cooler seasons and evening wear, transitioning effortlessly from a romantic dinner to a formal gathering. While it sits at a premium price point, its quality, performance, and distinctive character make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a signature evening scent that truly stands out from the crowd. Don’t just wear a perfume; wear a statement.